Fire extinguisher discharge apparatus



1942- H. ENSMINGER A 2,289,352

FIRE EXTINGUISHER DISCHARGE APPARATUS Filed Dec. 22, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 14, 1942. H. ENSMINGER 2,289,352

FIRE EXTINGUISHER DISCHARGE APPARATUS Fi led Dec. 22, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 14, 1942 FIRE .sx'rmomsmaa DISCHARGE ArrAaA'rUs Harry Ensminger, Chicago, 111., assignor to Cardox Corporation, Chicago, L, a corporation of Illinois Application December 22, 1938, Serial No. 247,268 claims. (or. ice-11) This inventionrelates to new and improvements in discharge apparatus for carbon dioxide when it is used .as a fire extinguishing medium.

The primary object of'this invention is to provide apparatus which may be satisfactorily employed for discharging carbon dioxide from hose lines, due to its ability to dampen both axial and radial recoil, and for effecting application of the extinguishing medium on the burning material at the most effective density and velocity and in such a manner as to cause the medium to completely encase and blanket the material, preventing the continuance of combustion.

A further important object of the invention is to provide discharge apparatus, for liquid carbon dioxide, which may be used with a hose line and which will be effective in maintaining the liquid at the desired pressure right up to the discharge nozzle during temporary shut-oi! periods, thereby avoiding the difliculties which arise from a drop in pressure below the triple point of carbon dioxide, which is '15 pounds per square inch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a nozzle for liquid carbon dioxide discharge apparatus which will maintain the extinguishing medium in liquid form until it reaches the point or points of discharge; which will prevent freezing and will permit free flow of the medium at all times, and which will discharge a thoroughly mixed combination of gas and snow that includes an unusually high percentage of snow.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a play-pipe arrangement for connecting a discharge nozzle to a hose line which is light in weight; which will prevent frosting on the exterior surface of the same; and which will guard against any static electrical condition arising.

Other objects and advantagesof the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

- Figure 1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of fire extinguisher discharge apparatus embodying this invention, 1

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the discharge nozzle portion of the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1.

Figure 3-is a transverse sectional view of the nozzle disclosed in Fig. 2 and taken on line 3-3 of that figure, and

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view of nozzle taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of the illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of this invention, and particularly referring to Fig. 1, the reference character A designates in its entirety a play-pipe which is intended to be directly connected to the discharge end of a hose line, or the like, through which liquid carbon dioxide is fed from a suitable source of supply. This discharge apparatus is primarily designedfor discharging carbon dioxide stored at a high pressure. Preferably, the apparatus is to be employed for discharging carbon dioxide stored at a subatmospheric temperature which, for example, will not exceed 32 F. The apparatus has been found to be extremely effective in extinguishing fires when employed in connection with a source of supply of liquid carbon dioxide which is maintained at 0 F. and

its corresponding 300 pounds per square inch pressure.

Suitably connected to the outer end of the play-pipe A is a manually controlled shut-off valve unit B. This valve unit functions to connect to the play-pipe A the discharge nozzle which isdesignated in its entirety by the reference character C.

Referring first to the play-pipe A, it is formed of a light-weight metal tube 5 which is covered and reinforced by a spiral wrapping of cord 6.

Surrounding the cord and completely encasing the same is a non-frosting insulation covering 1 which may be formed of rubber, or the like. This construction is extremely light in weight and permits the play-pipe to be readily and quickly transported. The construction is such that frost will not form on the exterior surface of the same, during the feeding of liquid carbon dioxide therethrough, and will also guard against any static electrical condition that might arise. The inner end of the play-pipe is formed with a suitable metallic coupling member 8 by means of which the play-pipe A may be suitably connected to a hose line leading from an appropriate source of supply. A pair of handle members 9 is suitably attached to the coupling 8. These handles may either be fixed to the coupling or connected thereto by a band It which is adapted for swiveling or partaking of angular movement relative to the coupling. These handles 9 may be made of metal or any suitable non-conducting material.

The remaining end of the play-P 9 A is provided with a coupling member II to which is connected the casing l2 of the valve'B. This valve includes a quarter-turn, rotatable plug body II which is manipulated by means of the handle l4. In other words, a one-quarter rotation of the plug II in opposite directions functions to turn the ducts. the discharge end, naturally, is smallon and shut ofl the flow of liquid carbon dioxide through the valve casing. As the temperature of the carbon dioxide in the supply hose and play-pipe up to the valve B may vary with temperature changes of the surrounding atmosphere, or due to other causes, a safety blow-oi! valve is provided in the manual valve B. This safety blow-oi! valve consists of a rupturable disc II held in place .by a bored discharge plug II. The disc I! should be of proper strength to withstand a certain pressure within the bore of the valve casing l2, butshould rupture or blow out when the pressure exceeds a predetermined safe maximum.

The discharge nozzle C is provided with a stem or shank I! which is adapted to be threadedly connected to one end of the valve casing l2. To assist in threading the discharge nozzle onto the valve casing, the stem or shank I1 is provided with a pair of diametrically arranged ears or lugs II which may be engaged by a suitable tool.

The discharge nozzle is disclosed in detail in Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive. With the exception of a detachable difluser element, which will be described at a later point, the nozzle, preferably, is cast or formed in one piece. The stem or shank I1 is bored to provide an inlet passage I! which is closed at its inner end by the conical projection 20. This conical projection functions to split or deflect the stream of fluid flowing into and through the inlet passage 19, for a purpose to be explained at a later point.- A discharge chamber 2|, which also functions as an expansion chamber, is formed by .a cylindrical peripheral wall 22 and a flat end wall 23. The end wall, as is clearly shown in Fig. 4, joints with the stem or shank ll of the nozzle and directly supports the cone 20. The remaining side of the discharge nozzle 2i is left open or is unobstructed to allow for the discharge of the carbon dioxide onto the fire.

Figs. 2 and .3 clearly disclose four ducts 24 which are of hook shape in longitudinal section and are arranged to extend radially outwardly from the inlet passage l9 and radially inwardly of or into the discharge and expansion chamber 2|. These ducts are provided by coring the external rib portions 25, best shown in Figs. 1 and 4, and the inwardly projecting tip formations 26, best shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 2 clearly illustrates the fact that these ducts 24 are positioned in diametrically arranged pairs so that the respective ducts of each pair oppose or counteract each other to dampen radial recoil resulting from discharge of the carbon dioxide into the discharge and expansion chamber 2|. Fig. 3 clearly illustrates that the ducts 24 continuously taper from their inlet to their outlet ends. The combined area of all of the inlet ends of the ducts 24 preferably should equal the area of the inlet passage I9. However, the combined area of the inlet ends of the ducts may vary between 75% and 100% of the area of the inlet passage J9. The maximum discharge is obtained when the ducts 24 are formed so that the combined area of their inlet ends equals 100% of the area of the passage It.

Due to the tapered formation of each one of er than-the inlet end. For most eilicient operation, it has been determined that the area of each discharge end of a duct should be from 40 to 60% of the area of the inlet end.

Centrally positioned in the discharge chamber 2| is abellshapeddiifuser 2'l. 'Ihisdiifuseris detachably connected to the flat end wall 28 by means of me threaded shank 20 which is mounted in the internally threaded socket 2!. Due to the detachable form of connection, the diffuser 21 may be replaced as desired or diflusers of different proflle or contour may be employed.

As has been stated, this discharge apparatus is especially intended for use with liquid carbon dioxide. Due to the extremely high pressure and low temperature, and also to refrigeration encountered in employing carbon dioxide, it is essential that the apparatus be of light construction; that the handling portion of the apparatus be insulated against the formation of frost on its exterior surface; that a safety device be employed which will operate to reduce the pressure in the event of an abnormal rise in temperature of the conflned carbon dioxide liquid; that the pressure of the liquid be maintained abovethe triple point of carbon dioxide right up to the discharge nozzle portion of the apparatus; that discharge of the flre extinguishing medium may be accomplished without an appreciable amount of recoil, and that the discharge nozzle will operate to effect discharge of the medium without clogging or freezing up. The various structural features which have been described above take care of all of these operating conditions.

To further explain the operation of the discharge nozzle, it will be appreciated that the valve device B may be manipulated to turn on and of! the supply of liquid carbon dioxide to the nozzle. The location of this valve device in close proximity to the nozzle permits a user 01' the apparatus to turn of! the supply at desired intervals, to allow for inspecting the condition of the fire being extinguished, without encountering dlmculties resulting from a drop in pressure in the supply line. The liquid carbon dioxide will flow through the play-pipe A and through the valve device B when the valve plug I3 is open and into the inlet passage IQ of the nozzle C under pressure. The deflecting cone 2. will split or divide the stream of liquid carbon dioxide and direct it into the plurality of ducts 24. The ducts are so shaped and so arranged that an inward radial discharge is obtained. The liquid flowing through the inlet passage is is split by the cone 20 and this smooths out the flow as it enters the ducts. The ducts all discharge radially inwardly at a direction which forms a angle to the direction of flow entering the inlet passage IS. The various discharge ends of the ducts are diametrically arranged so that they will balance each other. As a result of all of these structural features, axial and radial recoil is eliminated or reduced to a point where the discharge of carbon dioxide supplied by a hose line is made possible and practical.

.' The design of the ducts withtheir discharge ends charge of the liquid carbon dioxide into the chamber 2| naturally permits the carbon dioxide to suddenly expand with the result that it will be converted into a mixture of gas and line particles of snow. The plurality of discharging streams impinge radially upon the periphery of the diffuser 21 with the result that the velocity of the flowing streams is materially reduced and turbulence is created. The discharged material, also, is compelled to suddenly change its direction of flow. This impingement, the resultant turbulence", and 'the'sudden change in direction of flow, all materially contribute in converting the flne snow particles into larger snow flakes. thereby slowing up the process of gasification.

This discharged mixture of gas and snow flakes has been found to be much more eifective as a flr extinguisher than a mixture of gas and fine snow particles.

This discharge nozzle structure results in the delivery of the extinguishing medium at the most effective velocity and density and it is found that the materialsbeing consumed by fire are completely encased and blanketed by the discharge medium.

It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. Fire extinguisher discharge apparatus for their discharge ends to extend in a radial inward direction with respect to the chamber.

2. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged cylindrical discharge chamber having an open side and being of considerably greater diameter than the inlet passage, and a plurality of equi-spaced ducts connecting said passage and chamber, said ducts being shaped to lead radially outwardly of the passage and radially inwardly of the chamber but lying completely inwardly of the periphery of the discharge chamber.

3. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged cylindrical discharge chamber of uniform diameter throughout its length having its rear side closed a by a flat wall and its front side entirely open, a plurality of ducts connecting said passage and chamber and being grouped in diametrically arranged pairs, and a projection in the inlet passage for splitting all of the fluid flowing in said passage and directing it to said ducts.

4. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged discharge chamber having one open side through which all of the carbon dioxide passing through the nozzle is discharged, a plurality of ducts forming the sole connection between said passage and chamber and being grouped in diametrically arranged pairs with the discharge ends of the ducts of each pair being pointed radially inwardly toward each other, and means in said dischargechamber constructed and arranged to have all of the carbon dioxide entering said chamber through the inwardly pointed discharge ends of the ducts to impinge directly thereagainst to reduce the velocity of flow and to create turbulence.

5. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, 8. concentrically arranged cylindrically shaped discharge chamber having one open side through which all of the carbon dioxide passing through the nozzle is discharged, a plurality of equi-spaced ducts forming the sole connection between said passage and chamber, said-ducts being shaped to lead radially outwardly of the passage and radially inwardly of the chamber, a conical projection closing the end of the inlet passage for splitting all of the fluid flowing in said passage and directing it into the ducts, and means in said discharge chamber constructed and arranged to have all of the carbon dioxide entering said chamber impinge therea'gainst to reduce the velocity of flow and create turbulence.

6. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged discharge chamber separated from the inlet passage by a common imperiorate wall, and a plurality of tapering ducts communicating at their larger end with said passage and at their smaller ends with the discharge chamber and being grouped in diametrically arranged pairs.

7. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged discharge ehamber of greater diameter than depth, and a plurality of equi-spaced ducts connecting said passage and chamber, said ducts being hook shaped in longitudinal section and being arranged to extend radially of both the passage and the chamber and to project into the discharge chamber to carry the discharge radially inwardly of the side wall of said chamber.

8. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a one-piece body having a cylindrically shaped discharge chamber formed with one fiat side wall and open at its opposite side, an inlet passage axially arranged with respect tosaid flat side wall, a plurality of radially arranged ducts extending outwardly of the inlet passage and into the discharge chamber, and a conical projection arranged in the inlet passage to split the fluid flowing therein and direct it to the ducts; and a bell shaped difiuser detachably connected to the central portion of the flat end wall of the discharge chamber and operatingto increase the yield of snow as a result of impingement of the carbon dioxide thereagainst and the creation of turbulence within the discharge chamber.

9. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having a discharge chamber formed with one flat side wall and open at its opposite side, an inlet passage axially arranged with respect to said fiat side wall, a plurality of radially arranged ducts extending outwardly of the inlet passage and into the discharge chamber, and a conical projection arranged in the inlet passage to split the fluid flowing therein and direct it to said ducts.

10. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having a discharge chamber formed with one imperforate side wall and open at its opposite side, an'inlet passage arranged on the opposite side of said imperiorate side wall, a plurality of radially arranged ducts extending outwardly of the inlet passage and into the discharge chamber, and aprojection arranged in the inlet passage to split the fluid flowing therein and direct it to said ducts; and a difluser detachably connected to the central portion of the imperiorate end wall of the discharge chamber and operating to increase the yield of snow as a result of impingement of the carbon dioxide thereagainst and for creating turbulence within the discharge chamber.

11. A fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged discharge chamber having an open side through which all of the carbon dioxide passing through the nozzle is discharged, a plurality of equispaced ducts forming the sole connection between said passage and chamber, said ducts being shaped to lead radially outwardly of the passage andradially inwardly of the chamber, and a conical projection closing the end oi the inlet passage for splitting all of the fluid flowing in said passage and directing it into" the ducts.

12. A one-piece fire extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide, comprising a discharge chamber of considerably greater diameter than depth having imperforate rear and side walls and being entirely open at its front, a stem, having an inlet passage, integral with and exterior of said rear wall and concentrically arranged with respect to the discharge chamaaeassa ber, a plurality of radial ribs exterior of and integral with the rear wall of the discharge chamber and the stem, and a plurality of radial projections in the discharge chamber integral with the side and rear walls of the chamber, the respective ribs being arranged in alignment with the projections axially oi the nozzle and the thus aligned ribs and projections being cored to provide ducts which communicate at their opposite end with the inlet passage and the discharge chamber.

13. Fire extinguisher discharge apparatus for use with carbon dioxide comprising a discharge nozzle having an inlet passage, a coaxially arranged discharge chamber, said passage and chamber being separated by an imperforate wall which is normal to their common axis and which acts as the outer end wall for the inlet passage and the.rear wall for the discharge chamber, and a plurality of radially extending ducts connecting the passage to the chamber, said ducts all discharging into the chamber toward its axis and forming the only discharge paths for the carbon dioxide from the inlet passage.

14. A flre extinguisher discharge nozzle for use with carbon dioxide comprising a body having an inlet passage, a concentrically arranged discharge chamber oi cylindrical shape and having an imperforate, flat, radially extending rear wall which overlies and closes the adjacent end of the inlet passage, said chamber being entirely open at its front, and a plurality of ducts forming the sole discharge paths for the passage and the sole connection between the passage and chamber with the ducts discharging into the chamber toward its axis.

HARRY ENSMINGER. 

